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15ft Float Rod

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Active Member

Hi, I know that this isa question that is asked time and time again but I can't find a thread to the answer! I am looking for a 15ft trotting rod capable of handling the odd barbel - has anybody tried the Greys Toreon Tactical Float Rod - seems a bargain at the moment - either seems to be that or the Cadence rods, unless anyone has any other suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Senior Member

Senior Member

I cant comment on the Harrison or daiwa rods as all my rods are drennan now. but if I was buying new rods again and would go with the 15ft acoylyte plus as an all round rod. Trees allowing its the first rod I get out the bag for the majority of my float fishing, the weight in hand is nothing and its capable of handling 10gram bolo floats and yesterday I was chucking a 6gram waggler across the thames with it. the heaviest line ive used on it is 6lb main down to 5lb bottom...very good all round rod

Senior Member

I've got a Preston 15-17ft Equis Super Float. I was a big Drennan fan until i bought this rod. I've owned most of the series 7 range over the years and a couple of Acolyte rods( 13ft & 14ft plus). I've used small sticks up to large Bolo floats. With take 3lb to 6lb mainlines. The main thing that really impressed me was the though action when handling Chub and Barbel on tidal waters. Saying that i originally bought the rod for silvers and roach which it is still sensitive for them. The tip may feel soft but after that, the blank is very powerful. It also has a very slim blank and has a secure reel seat. With the 2ft part in to make it 17ft which is how i mostly use it, The 2ft section has no ill effect on the rod but blends into the rod without any notice. Also the blank being slim it is also very light. After a 5 hour session and standing up, i expected a backache from using a long rod but i had none.
So here is my recommendation for a long rod.

Senior Member

You mentioned the Cadence and you will not go wrong with the 15ft #2. Quality of the blank, fittings etc and service are superb and fantastic price. I have the 14's and have used the 15's can't fault them and you can pretty much buy 2 for the price of one from the competitors.

Senior Member

Senior Member

Saturday I decided to treat myself to 2 new rods, cadence 15ft and 16ft #2's specifically as big fish/big float rods. ordered them on line as you do, good price as standard.

Then last night I get a text from my mate Dougie to say this Thursday at Clanfield football club James Robbins will be there with all the cadence gear for anyone to look at and purchase on the night....20% off...bloody hell!

so if anyone wants any cadence gear get yourself to clanfield football club(west Oxfordshire) this Thursday evening from 5pm till 8pm.

Senior Member

Senior Member

I likecJamescRobbins , like his dog and his video's are excellent. He has instigated a charm offensive with this brand, but is the product really as good as Harrison, or perhaps a better comparison Drennan or Fox?

He is a nice guy, and a match Angler, that is where I think the target audience is. But why discount roadshows and not the faithful customer who orders through his usual outlets? His gear does look a bit of the mass market gaudy side, not really something I want, but each to their own.
Drennan Fox and Harrison and a few others have been around a long time and have stood the test of time, let's see if Cadence can challenge them.
John Wilson went with a big manufacture Jarvis.... something and it didn't really work out for him in the UK, quite a discerning lot we are.

Senior Member

they only sell direct, not through shops which in theory gives the customer a better price on the products. so you can only buy from there website or road shows. at a guess he's not popular with tackle shops because they loose trade. The problem being seeing the kit before buying, but if you contacted them it could arranged to meet a brand ambassador.

I agree it doesn't look like tackle that your discerning barbel angler would use but if you can get over the look of it that's not a problem. the 14ft feeder rod is a cracking bit of kit and ideal for big rivers.

Senior Member

Senior Member

He is a nice guy, and a match Angler, that is where I think the target audience is. But why discount roadshows and not the faithful customer who orders through his usual outlets? His gear does look a bit of the mass market gaudy side, not really something I want, but each to their own.
Drennan Fox and Harrison and a few others have been around a long time and have stood the test of time, let's see if Cadence can challenge them.John Wilson went with a big manufacture Jarvis.... something and it didn't really work out for him in the UK, quite a discerning lot we are.

I thought the John Wilson Avon quiver is believed to be the best selling rod of all time? But the Masterline-Walker / Jarvis-Walker rods are pitched at the much more budget conscious angler, and they are good value from what I've seen.

I'm not sure anyone is saying the Cadence rods are better than those produced by the likes of Harrison or Tricast etc, but they are about half the price. They look pretty decent to me. For the typical barbel angler that legers for most of his barbel fishing, and perhaps only occasionally float fishes for barbel, there is little point in spending an extra £100-£130 on a specialist tool like a stepped-up float rod.

Senior Member

Yes the JW was/is the best selling rod of all time, the Head Office , factory was here in Tewkesbury, but now houses, of course.John Wilson was the driving force with the brand, and I suppose added credibility to the product, albeit what was a pretty average item. Maybe this is the route Cadence is going? Of course most tackle is manufactured Far East, so any brand success is through this type of marketing, but low overheads and minimum staff will give them the edge with higher margins.